Geist excels in 1-0 win over Liberty

The Kingsmen goalie scores the only goal in an overtime win

After suffering a tough, tough 3-2 loss to Parkrose on Oct. 15, Putnam's girls soccer team bounced back to win a 1-0 thriller over Liberty last Thursday.

Putnam senior Bella Geist garnered heroine honors for the Kingsmen, earning the shutout and scoring the winning goal  on a penalty kick in overtime.

Bella had a special night, said Putnam coach Alex Ponce. It was a very professional performance. Scoring the game-winner as a keeper is something that doesn't happen often.

She controlled much of the match from goal, directing and shifting our defense, keeping them on their defensive assignments and limiting Liberty's chances on-goal.... She was quick in her decision-making, and she played a large role in getting us another clean sheet. It was a pleasure to watch.

Ponce also had praise for junior defending Madi Kading.

Madi virtually closed down any counterattack liberty threw at us...., Ponce said. She had some solid tackles and broke up a lot of liberty's offense with her anticipation and physical strength.

Battling an uphill battle most of the way, the Kingsmen trailed Parkrose 3-1 near the midpoint of the second half.

Freshman Maleah Maier scored both Putnam goals. The first came five minutes into the second half, where she ran onto a through ball over the top, broke free and slotted it low left of the keeper from 10 yards out. The goal knotted the score at 1-1.

Maier scored again with 10 minutes remaining to make it a one-goal game, at 3-2. But that was as close as the Kingsmen could get. The assist came from freshman Megan Spaulding.

We found a lot of success getting to the final third, said Ponce. But we couldn't find the back of the net.

Ponce had kind words for Maier and freshman Maggie Batz for their efforts in the losing effort:

Along with Maleah's standout performance netting her second and third goals in her last two matches, Maggie Batz had a very impressive display on the wing. She was bombing up and down, getting behind the back line, producing numerous opportunities for us with her pace and creativity.

The Kingsmen (2-4-4, 2-1-1) travel to Milwaukie (3-6-1, 0-4-0) on Thursday, for a showdown with their cross-town rivals. They conclude the regular season next Tuesday, at St. Helens (4-5-2, 1-2-1).